"Every NWS office has a Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM). The WCM is the main interface between the NWS and its customers.

A major part of the WCM's job is to plan, coordinate, and execute a public awareness program in his office's county warning area (which for our office includes the 24 counties surrounding Lubbock). The awareness program is designed to educate the public about hazardous weather in hopes of reducing death, injury, and property damage. Key aspects of this program are conducting spotter training classes and making preparedness presentations to area civic groups, businesses, and schools.

Another major part of the WCM's job is to help coordinate staff efforts in the conduct of weather service operations, especially with regard to severe weather. In Lubbock, this means working with the Meteorologist-in-Charge and the Science and Operations Officer to host severe weather workshops, conduct staff operations meetings, issue drills, and generally ensure that the office is ready to provide citizens with the best possible severe weather information.

Between making presentations to spotters, the public, and schools; being interviewed on radio and TV; and coordinating with state and local officials, the WCM can be the most visible person in the NWS. It is an exciting job that provides many opportunities and challenges."